A worrying spike in demand has been predicted by Colchester foodbank over the festive period as for the first time in history, demand is outweighing donations.

The concerning prediction follows the bank's busiest year amidst both rising energy bills and the cost-of-living crisis.

Foodbanks are now preparing for the most difficult winter on record.

The Colchester foodbank sits within the Trussell Trusts’ network of over 1,300 centres across the nation.

Each centre has seen a dramatic increase in the number of service users over the past six months, with 320,000 new users.

With families across the country feeling the impact of the current economic crisis, both food and financial donations have taken a severe cut, causing the Trust to supplement goods they would otherwise have received.

In response to the appeal, several service businesses based in Colchester have come together to support the foodbank.

The businesses include The Mackman Group, Griffin Chapman, Park City Consulting, Stanley Bragg, Handlesbanken, James & Lindsay Ltd, Plan Money, Dudley Smith Partnership and Sandersons.

Collectively, the group has donated around £4,000 to the centre. This will provide approximately 50 families with a food parcel costing £80.

The Colchester Foodbank is urging other businesses and individuals who are able to donate to do so.

The foodbank is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10am till 2pm, and can accept online food deliveries during that time.

Across Colchester, several supermarkets supply food donation boxes, usually by the exits, which accept dried and canned goods, alongside other long-life items. 

Michael Beckett, chief executive of the Colchester Foodbank, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to the group of businesses for their generous donation.

“During this cost-of-living crisis, more and more families are struggling, and we fear that demand will reach its peak this winter.

“The group have stepped up and their donation will make a real impact to our community and to the many families who currently rely on support from the Trust.

“The Colchester Food Bank is determined to keep helping people for as long as we can, but we hope that eventually these centres will no longer be necessary.”